Gov. Kathy Hochul has deployed a multi-agency response to wildfires in Ulster, Sullivan, and Orange counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.
Statewide deployments include:
- Ten staff members of the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Office of Emergency Management and Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications are on site in Ulster County
- NYSP has deployed two helicopters to fight the ongoing wildfires utilizing water drops. State Police personnel are also at the command post assisting with coordination of assets
- Park Forest Rangers are in direct communication with DEC Forest Rangers coordinating this response with the fire on the Sullivan/Ulster county border
- OPRHP has personnel assigned to fire watch duties in Wildwood, Brookhaven and Hallock State Parks on Long Island due to wildfires in the vicinity
Currently, the Whitehouse Fire in Ulster and Sullivan counties is impacting approximately 300 to 400 acres and is expected to increase. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Conservation is working to contain two fires in Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County.
“With recent drought conditions, there have been multiple wildfires ignited across the state, and we have deployed state assets and agencies to coordinate with local first responders in fighting these fires while closely monitoring air quality as a result of them,” Gov. Hochul said. “The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and I urge everyone in impacted areas, especially those vulnerable, to stay alert, monitor air quality, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.”
More information about Fire Danger classifications can be found at DEC’s Fire Danger Map website.